The island of Lanzarote often acts as an inspiration to the artistically inclined. This may be due to the clear atmospheric conditions, which make colours more vivid and bright than they appear further north. Or perhaps the unspoilt landscape is responsible for germinating the spark of creativity.

This is certainly the case in relation to Lanzarote’s most famous son, the internationally acclaimed artist César Manrique. Who stated that it was the island’s beauty that first awoke his creative instincts. And evidence of his genius can be seen across Lanzarote, from the wind toys on roundabouts to the centres of art and culture he designed.

Striking contrasts of colour can be found in almost every corner. From the turquoise blue sea and white sand at the Playa Caleton Blanco in the north. To the black picon fields of La Geria, where the island’s vineyards are based. Or the splashes of colour that adorn some of the private gardens, where bougainvillea, hibiscus and strelitza grow in profusion.

Manrique’s efforts have shaped the island so completely, that even now, nearly twenty years after his death, many hotels in Lanzarote still copy the design ideas he came up with. Such as lagoon style swimming pools and gardens edged with volcanic stone and smooth white walls.

The tourist attractions themselves also demonstrate the Manrique philosophy, with curved lines mimicking the shapes found in nature. A good example of this can be found at the Mirador del Rio, where the entrance way swerves round to form a curvaceous passage into the main café area.

The Mirador itself is a cleverly disguised look-out post giving amazing views of the island of La Graciosa. With two huge windows that almost look like a lizard’s eyes when seen from the exterior.

With seven centres of art and culture in total, it is easy to see why the best way to get to know Lanzarote is by car. Many visitors opt for car hire in Lanzarote during their stay as the most cost-effective way of exploring the many hidden gems the island has to offer.

Increasingly, people who decide to take their holidays in Lanzarote find that simply staying in the resort where their accommodation is doesn’t cut the mustard. You can laze by the pool in most European holiday destinations, but very few places have such a rich abundance of natural and manmade attractions as Lanzarote.